External risk intelligence

Nagios XI Command Injection Vulnerability.

CVE advisoryKnown Exploit

CVE-2021-25298

A vulnerability in Nagios XI allows attackers to inject and execute commands on the server, impacting system integrity and data. This occurs through improper handling of authenticated user input in a configuration wizard. The risk to affected organizations includes potential disruption of monitoring operations and expo

4Halo Surface Signal

OS Command Injection

Nagios Xi

5.5.6 to 5.7.5

External exposure likelihood

Halo Surface Signal score for CVE-2021-25298

Nagios XI is a network monitoring platform frequently deployed as an internet-facing or centrally accessible web application for administrative oversight. Due to its nature as a centralized management interface designed for remote access by administrators, it is commonly exposed to the network, increasing the likelihood of interaction with external actors despite the requirement for authentication

Horizon Alert

Summary of the vulnerability and why it matters

Nagios XI is affected by a vulnerability that can allow an attacker to execute commands on the server. This occurs due to how the system handles specific user input, which is not properly checked. Successful exploitation could lead to unauthorized actions on the affected Nagios XI server, potentially impacting its operational integrity and the data it manages.

  • Vulnerable: Nagios XI
  • Flaw: Improper input sanitization
  • Impact: OS command injection

Attack Path

How an attacker could exploit the issue

The vulnerability allows an attacker to inject operating system commands into the Nagios XI server. This occurs when an authenticated user interacts with a specific configuration wizard. The attacker can then execute arbitrary commands on the server, potentially leading to unauthorized access or modification of data.

  • Exposure through authenticated web interface.
  • Attacker exploits input sanitization flaw.
  • Results in OS command execution.

Live Threat

Current exploitation, exposure, and threat context

This vulnerability allows for the injection of operating system commands within the Nagios XI server. Exploitation can lead to significant compromise, impacting system integrity and data confidentiality. The risk is elevated due to the potential for unauthorized command execution, which could disrupt monitoring operations and expose sensitive information. Organizations should consider this a high-priority issue.

  • Likely attacker skill level: Intermediate.
  • Required access or conditions: Authenticated access.
  • Business risk or urgency: High.

Priority actions

Operational Fix

Recommended remediation, mitigation, and detection steps

An OS command injection vulnerability has been identified in Nagios XI, potentially allowing attackers to execute arbitrary commands on the server. This issue arises from improper sanitization of user input within the cloud VM configuration wizard. Organizations utilizing Nagios XI should take immediate steps to address this risk to protect their systems and data.

  • Locate all Nagios XI installations.
  • Restrict network access to Nagios XI.
  • Update to a patched version, verify, and monitor.

Frequently asked questions

What is Nagios XI and its primary function?

Nagios XI is a network monitoring platform designed to help organizations oversee their IT infrastructure. It is commonly utilized to monitor servers, applications, and services, ensuring their optimal performance and enabling proactive issue detection.

What is the weakness in CVE-2021-25298 classified as?

The weakness identified in CVE-2021-25298 is categorized as OS command injection (CWE-78). This vulnerability allows an attacker to compel the software to execute unintended operating system commands.

How can an attacker exploit the CVE-2021-25298 vulnerability in Nagios XI?

An attacker can trigger this vulnerability by exploiting improper sanitization of authenticated user-controlled input via a single HTTP request within the cloud VM configuration wizard file (/usr/local/nagiosxi/html/includes/configwizards/cloud-vm/cloud-vm.inc.php).

What is the relevance of the Halo Surface Signal for CVE-2021-25298?

The Halo Surface Signal indicates a 'Likely' risk for CVE-2021-25298. This is because Nagios XI is often deployed as an internet-facing or centrally accessible web application, increasing its exposure to external actors despite requiring authentication.

What actions should be taken to address the Nagios XI vulnerability?

Organizations should identify all Nagios XI installations, restrict network access where possible, and prioritize updating to a patched version. Verification of the update and continuous monitoring are also recommended to ensure the vulnerability is remediated.

References